Patrol Rifle Setup

One question PGF has received a few times is “how should I set up my patrol rifle?” Like anything else, the short answer is “it depends.” It depends on your operating environment. A deputy working in a remote jurisdiction surrounded by thousands of acres of forest may have different equipment needs than a narc unit cop working in an urban city. It also depends on your agency’s policies. Your department may mandate you carry “XYZ” brand and limit what accessories you may or may not use. Or, you may have a blank check to carry what you want, so long as you qualify with it.

Regardless of jurisdiction, every patrol rifle should share some common attributes:

1. Quality manufacturer.

There is more to “mil-spec” than interchangeable parts. Materials, manufacturing processes, production standards and tolerances all go into making something “mil-spec.” There are a number of companies, including some big names that are used by large LE agencies, which don’t come close to “mil-spec” standards. Generally, this results in an inferior, less-reliable product.

We recommend one manufacturer above all others: BCM. BCM produces true mil-spec rifles in a wide variety of reasonably priced configurations, that come with a lifetime warranty. Their customer service is excellent, and every rifle they make is a rifle you can trust your life to.

Colt is another high quality, mil-spec manufacturer, however, Colt’s main focus is the “big Army” so your choices of configurations are limited. Daniel Defense, LMT and Noveske also have a good reputation and produce mil-spec (or 95%) mil-spec rifles. There are some smaller, custom shops that certainly make good rifles too, but generally you pay a premium for a product that doesn’t really give you any advantages over a standard mil-spec rifle.

2. Sling.

A tactical sling is to a long gun as a holster is to a handgun. It is mandatory. I won’t debate sling choices here, but you need a tactical sling (not just a carry strap) to be able to secure your gun and free up both of your hands. We don’t shoot 99% of the people we point guns at, meaning at some point, you will have to put someone in handcuffs. Tough to do when you are holding your rifle.

3. Weapon mounted light.

If there is any chance at all you may have to use your rifle in low-light conditions, then a weapon mounted white-light is a necessity. You can get away with a hand-held light used in conjunction with a pistol, but a rifle requires two hands to operate pretty much at all times, making handheld light techniques impractical. Generally, a small, powerful LED light will work fine.

4. Optic.

Yes, you should be good with your iron sights, but an optic is truly a “force multiplier.” You will be able to shoot faster, more accurately, from odd positions, and have a better awareness of your target and environment with a red dot sight opposed to irons.

Depending on your situation, magnification may be useful. Magnification does not increase your accuracy – it helps you see better. I don’t believe any patrol rifle should have an optic that does not allow 1x magnification. A 3-10x scope, or a fixed 4x scope (ACOG) does not belong on a patrol rifle, unless maybe it has a supplementary 1x sighting system like a micro RDS. There are a number of 1-4x or 1-6x variable powered optics which are great, but they have to be able to get back to 1x (no magnification) for rapid engagement, close-quarters combat.

What I Carry

The first patrol rifle I carried wasn’t a rifle – it was an 870 shotgun with a wood stock, loaded with 00 buck. It was better than a pistol, but left a lot to be desired. For a while I ran a 10.5″ LMT with an Aimpoint M2 and Surefire light. The SBR is nice in a few specific applications (namely, in and out of vehicles), but beyond that, people want them because of the CDI factor (chicks dig it). Mine mostly sits in the safe. 16″ guns have better muzzle velocity, shoot smoother and are more reliable. If you’re careful with your muzzle, you can still maneuver them inside a house just fine.

When I switched agencies, I was stuck running whatever Colt 6520 happened to be in the squad car I took that day. We had little confidence in our rifles – not any fault of Colt, but because they were communal property. We never really knew if the rifles were sighted in correctly, and they weren’t well-cared for. When we modernized our rifle program, and officers were allowed to buy their own rifles, I upgraded to a Colt 6920 with a Surefire light and an EoTech HWS, and later added a VTAC hand guard. Finally, I replaced the Colt upper with a lightweight upper from BCM, and after a few tweaks, this is what I use today:

BCM upperA quality manufacturer gives me confidence that my gun will always work when I need it.14.5″ BFH lightweight barrel (midlength gas)A 16″ barrel (with 1.5″ pinned & welded comp) allows maneuverability indoors and avoids NFA paperwork. A mid-length gas system yields smooth and reliable operation. The hammer-forged barrel is chrome lined, 1:7″ twist to properly stabilize the 75gn duty ammo we shoot and is extremely accurate. The lightweight profile makes it easier to carry for long periods of time.13″ BCM KMR handguard
The KMR handguard is lightweight, and provides a low-profile method to attach accessories to my rifle. The extended length allows me to maintain better control of the gun by moving my support hand farther forward, and provides a more comfortable shooting position for my long, gangly arms.BCM VFGI have gone back and forth between using and not using a VFG. When I do, I use it as a hand stop, and as a way to consistently access my weapon mounted light controls.BCM Comp
Reduces muzzle flip, though there is an increase in noise and flash signature. It is pinned & welded on my barrel to make it a non-NFA, 16″ length.Magpul flip up BUIS (front and rear)
I don’t expect to have to use my BUIS, but they are there if I need them. The Magpuls are lightweight, low profile and inexpensive. Yes, they might get scratched if you drop them, but they will also hold their zero better than some metal BUIS, which may tend to bend at their weakest spot (pivot point) when dropped.BCM Gunfighter Charging Handle
Improved design over a traditional charging handle increases strength and reliability, and the larger latch provides a more secure grasp. A highly recommended upgrade.

LOWERColt lowerOriginally from a 6920 rifle. A stock mil-spec trigger is usually sufficient for patrol work, though some can be kind of gritty. A good option is the ACT trigger from Geissele. It uses a mil-spec trigger, but is polished to create a smoother (not lighter) trigger pull.BCM pistol grip
I have huge hands and never cared for the bump on the A2 pistol grip. The BCM also has a storage compartment, which I use to carry two spare CR123s, and a front sight adjustment tool.VLTOR A5 receiver extension / buffer and Magpul CTR stock
The VLTOR A5 receiver extension, in conjunction with the midlength gas system and BCM comp makes this rifle smooth shooting, with almost no muzzle flip. Because the A5 system uses a heavier buffer (most carbines with midlength or carbine length gas should run an H buffer), it’s important to use full-power ammo. I just happen to like the CTR stock – it gives me a point to attach my sling, is lightweight and has a traditional profile, which I have become used to from shooting a standard M4 stock for years.Winter trigger guard
Because I frequently wear gloves while running my carbine (thicker ones in winter), it gives me room to pull the trigger without rubbing the trigger guard.

OTHER ACCESSORIES

Streamlight TLR-1 HL
Lightweight, low profile, easy to operate and very bright (630 lumens). Has great throw, plenty of “spill,” and allows for momentary / constant on/off, It mounts directly to a Picatinny rail section and at $140 it’s also reasonably priced. I could go without the strobe feature, but it doesn’t get in the way.

VTAC 2 point, padded sling
I am a big fan of 2-point adjustable slings. I can run this gun on my strong side, crank the sling tight to support a shooting position, crank it down to secure it while climbing or using my hands for other tasks, or loosen it up to transition to my support shoulder. I run the sling attached to my stock, and then as far forward on my rail as I can.

Trijicon TR 24 1-4x optic w/ LaRue SPR-E quick release mount
I think this is one of the most under-rated optics on the market. The fiber optic sight requires no batteries, and adjusts to your ambient lighting conditions, providing a bright red reticle during the sunniest of days. The glass is clear, it has plenty of eye relief and works pretty well even in odd shooting positions where I may not have my face right on the stock. The 1-4x magnification allows me to shoot at CQB distances with both eyes open, or dial it up to a higher magnification to be able to see suspects from greater distances when on perimeters. The LaRue mount is bullet proof, and the quick-release function allows me to take the optic off in case it were damaged and I had to go to irons.

For my current assignment, it works well. If I went back to a RDS, it would be an Aimpoint T1.